Iberville Parish honors veterans

Sunday was a day of remembrance for the small communities in Iberville Parish.

"This is kind of like us giving back to them to show how much we appreciate it, all their hard work," said Matthew Williams, a student at Math and Science Academy West.

Hard work and dedication from men and women like 90-year-old Joe Rockforte, who vividly remembers his time in World War II, hitting the beaches of Normandy and becoming a prisoner of war for four months.

"These Germans they look like they told us they didn't want this war but they had to have it because Hitler wanted it but like I said I'm proud of what I did but I would do it again if I had to," said Rockforte.

Others like Mervin Gourgues served their country as well doing what they believed was the right thing to do.

"My father was a World War II veteran and uncles and you feel like it was your duty to do that but still it makes you feel so proud that people understand what you did and why you did it," said Gourgues.

The Wall of Veterans is the brainchild of parish president Mitchell Ourso. Since 2010 more than 1700 veterans have been added to the wall. Some are no longer with us but Ourso says none will be forgotten.

"This one really touches my heart the biggest, this event. It's our fifth annual and it means so much to people as you can see the kind of people it brings out," said Ourso.

"This is definitely something I want to see keep on going. It means a lot to all of us, young and old," said Bryce Landry, a veteran that served in Iraq.

The wall is a small reminder of the steadfast commitment so many of these service men and women made without a second thought.

"I don't regret what I did, I'm glad of what I did, I'm proud of what I did," added Rockforte.